Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012) Review
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Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012) At A Glance
Sharp styling, handles extremely well for a 4x4, smart and comfortable interior, much more economical 2.2-litre diesel version from 2009.
2.3 petrol turbo thirsty and in high CO2 based VED bracket (£540pa). No seven seat option. Diesel has comparatively low towing weight of 1800kg
The CX-7 is marketed as a blend of off-roader, family car and sports car, offering plenty of space and a decent drive. It's a car that's in the same mould as the Nissan Murano and BMW X3.
It went on sale in 2007, but went largely unnoticed, as it only came with a thirsty 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It was the same engine that was used in the high-performance Mazda 6 MPS and could manage just 28mpg. It wasn't popular and as a result was sold at often huge discounts.
That all changed in 2009 when Mazda dropped the petrol and brought-in an excellent 2.2-litre diesel. The CX-7's best bits -the swoopy shape, great on-the-road characteristics and comfortable cabin - were kept, but with far more reasonable fuel economy. Other changes since the diesel was introduced include a fresher look to the front-end and a useful blind spot indicator system which warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot on the motorway.
Reviews for Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012)'s top 3 rivals
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Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.2 D to 2.3
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 19–43 mpg
Under the bonnet of earlier CX-7s is a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine that produces 260bhp. It's a lively, potent engine that's capable of competing with everything from a Nissan Murano to a BMW X3, with a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds. It's responsive, quick, has plenty of pulling power and doesn't suffer from turbo lag.
With an average of 28mpg and emissions of 243g/km of CO2, the petrol CX-7 is far from economical. That said, it does compare well to similar (and even larger) sized cars. This engine can now only be found in second hand CX-7s, as it was replaced in 2009 by a far superior 2.2-litre diesel.
What this lacks in overall power (at 173bhp, it's almost 90bhp down on the petrol), it makes up for in low-down power and excellent economy. It should be capable of 38mpg and 199g/km CO2 - respectable figures for a car of this sort. It's a fine engine, with power that builds smoothly and is available across a wide band of revs. The usual clatter that you associate with diesel engines is well suppressed, especially when it's on the move.
The Mazda CX-7 may have been originally designed for American tastes, but it's been tailored to handle well on European roads. The suspension has been re-tuned, the body has been reinforced and it feels like a far more agile car than its dimensions suggest. This shines through on twisty roads, where it corners confidently and shows little in the way of body roll. Gearchanges are pleasing and - as you'd expect from sporty Mazdas - and precise with it.
The ‘Active Torque Split' four-wheel-drive is basically the same as the Mazda 6 MPS. It's a sports set-up rather than an off-road system, but one that will get you to the ski resort if necessary.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 D | 38 mpg | 11.3 s | 199 g/km |
| 2.3 | 28 mpg | 8.0 s | 243 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
93%
Real MPG
19–43 mpg
MPGs submitted
95
Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012) interior
- Boot space is 455–744 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4675–4700 mm |
| Width | 1870 mm |
| Height | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
The CX-7 manages to combine the commanding driving position of an off-roader with the ‘involved' feeling that you often get with coupes, which means it feels more special than your run-of-the-mill 4x4. Inside, it's very well built, with precise switches and easy-to-read displays, but some of the materials lack the finesse that you'd expect from German rivals.
The driving position is generally good, with an electrically-adjustable seat, though the steering wheel only adjusts for height. Every other car of this type adjusts for reach. The tapering shape doesn't imped visibility as much as you may expect it to and the rear pillars are quite slim, plus there's a reversing camera on later models along with a useful blind spot warning system.
It has all the practical attributes of a child carrying vehicle. Mazda's clever Karakuri split-folding rear seats drop at the pull of a lever in the boot, exposing a load area capable of swallowing 1348 litres. The boot is 455 litres with the seats up. The load floor flips over from carpeted to waterproof plastic, both outer rear seats have Isofix fasteners and, of course, the front passenger airbag can be switched off.
There's no satellite navifation in earlier cars, though. Only an afterthought dealer-fit system, so you might as well buy your own. Facelifted models come with a compact sat nav with a colour screen, but it's pretty small and not the easiet to use, especially on the move.
Unlike a Freelander, the rear seats are lower than the fronts so children travelling in them will need boosters. Air conditioning and leather are standard though and the driver gets an electric seat with adjustable lumbar support. It's so loaded with kit, the only factory fitted extra you can buy is metallic or mica paint.
Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4675–4700 mm |
| Width | 1870 mm |
| Height | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1770–1790 kg |
| Boot Space | 455–744 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12000–12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £24,086–£27,595 |
| Insurance Groups | 32–33 |
| Road Tax Bands | J–L |
| Official MPG | 27.7–37.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 4 |
On sale until December 2012
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.2 Sport Tech Diesel 5dr | £27,595 | 37.7 mpg | 11.3 s |
On sale until December 2008
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.3 5dr | £24,086 | 27.7 mpg | 8.0 s |
Model History
January 2005
CX-7 First Shown
The CX-7 was first shown at the Detroit Show but was designed at Mazda’s main design studio in Hiroshima, Japan. It's designed as crssover-type sport-utility vehicle with short front and rear overhangs plus a relatively long wheelbase. The European version was launched at the Paris International Motor Show in September 2006 and features a six-speed manual transmission plus a power output of 260HP and 380Nm of torque from the 2.3-litre turbocharged engine.
Top speed tests were conducted on Germany’s autobahns, along with maximum speed limiter control and high-speed acceleration and handling and roadholding tests at Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. Front cross members and members placed on the transmission tunnel were made thicker, as were the front suspension towers.
March 2009
The CX-7 was facelifted in 2009 and a diesel engine was added. The facelifted version has an enhanced design to give it a more premium identity inside and out, along with new technologies that make it even more affordable and fun to drive.
The engine is now the next-generation MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel common-rail engine delivering a powerful 173PS and 400Nm of maximum torque, with a new selective catalytic reduction system – the first ever on a Mazda vehicle. Combined fuel economy is 37.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 199g/km and this diesel replaced the MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol engine.
Inside, the facelifted CX-7 adds a new compact navigation system with a high-resolution screen, a new Rear Vehicle Monitoring system and an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) for further active safety. There are several new chassis updates for enhanced handling and steering that include a stiffer bodyshell and new dampers. It also inherits Mazda’s torque-split All-wheel Drive (AWD) system, for superior traction in all on-road situations.
What to watch out for
Failure of transfer case of Mazda CX-7 at 4 years old and subsequent replacement led to total engine failure (metal filings in the oil). Suspect minor misalignment of transfer case leading to wear on crankshaft end bearing. Big money involved: £5,000 for transfer case reduced by 60% contribution from Mazda. Now quoted £9,000+ for new short engine, DMF, clutch and gearbox.
13-05-2014:Engine of fully Mazda maintained 38,000 mile 2009 Mazda CX-7 2.2 diesel seized. Dealer seeking goodwill from Mazda on behalf of owner. New engine quoted at £7,500.
15-06-2014:Engine of 45k mile fully Mazda maintained CX-7 2.2 diesel failed 800 miles after a Mazda dealer service. Oil sump uptake pipe blocked and number 1 injector loose. Reader agreed to pay the dealer £950 to strip down the engine and report to Mazda. Copy of report refused. Offered 60% towards cost of new engine + courtesy car wile being fitted. See Mazda 6 entries for 1-3-2014 and 3-3-2014.
19-07-2014:Another mazda CX-7 2.2 diesel engine failure, this one at 32,000 miles. After strip down by Mazda dealer, engine fault was a leaked oil injector over long period to build carbon that dropped into below sum via an internal filter fitted inside engine which got blocked by this carbon causing oil starvation to seize engine. After this report Mazda said it will pay 40% to repair this as goodwill gesture for a bill of £8k.
15-08-2014:Seems to be a growing problem with Mazda CX-7 transfer boxes. Reader with a 75k mile 2009 CX-7 2.4 petrol model was quoted £6k by a Mazda dealer to replace the box. See 3-4-2014.
